Hull's park rangers have been ordered to stop pruning privet hedges, weeding and tending to pools and lakes as it is not in their job description.

Instead, they have been told to focus on 'being a park ranger' by enforcing park rules, such as clearing up after dogs and preventing vandalism.

The city council's Streetscene team is responsible for maintaining parks and gardens, but traditionally rangers have tended to pitch in.

SERENE: A view of Pickering Park's lake

But from now on, rangers should report tasks, rather than attempting to fix issues themselves. The new ruling applies to all Hull parks, with councillors saying there would be no cuts to the park rangers budgets.

But Carole Parker, a member of the Friends of Pickering Park group, fears the ban will have a negative impact on the appearance of parks.

She said "It seems ridiculous that park rangers can't perform basic maintenance, such as cutting hedges and weeding. No-one seems to know exactly why they have brought this ban in."

Ms Parker took to the Friends of Pickering Park's Facebook group to inform other members after being informed of the ban by a ranger.

A Facebook message about the changes to Pickering Park

"The rangers at Pickering Park are fantastic," she said. "They do a great job under very difficult conditions. They've been hit by a lot of cutbacks.

"How often will be grass be cut? How long will it take for the hedges to be cut. We are concerned the park will not be as well maintained."

Ms Parker stressed the importance of parks.

"It seems they're building everywhere these days," said Ms Parker. "Parks and other green spaces are very valuable."

YESTERYEAR: A ranger patrols East Park in 1984

Councillor Terry Geraghty, portfolio holder for parks and gardens at Hull City Council , made clear that there will be no cuts in the parks and gardens maintenance budget.

He said: "Park rangers are not there to cut hedges. We have maintenance people to do that - Streetscene. We want park rangers to be park rangers. We want them to be going around parks ensuring things do not get vandalised, and that people clear up after their dogs.

"Parks are a very important part of the community. They are places for people to go and relax, away from the hustle and bustle of life. There is no way we will allow Pickering Park, East Park or any other park in this city to be neglected.

"If anyone has concerns they can speak to me or any other member of the council."

Cllr Geraghty said a council officer met with the Friends of Pickering Park on May 18.

"No concerns were raised at that meeting," he said.

In May 2015, Cllr Geraghty told the Mail he intended to bring back the image of the formidable park-keeper .

Speaking then, he said: "Part of a park-keeper's job, as far I see it, is making sure people can walk around these sites without stepping in dog muck, or sit in comfort without having to put up with antisocial behaviour.

"I think we have drifted away from the traditional role of the park-keeper, which I saw when I was a lad, and I am keen to get back to it. Our park-keepers are about to become stricter."